To say that Steven Brinberg is a Streisand impersonator is a gross underestimate of his abilities and intent. Simply Barbra is the finest of iconic homages in show biz: tongue in cheek with the witty between-song banter, but dead serious in the vocals department. That Brinberg can sustain the Barbra voice for an entire evening is a huge victory in and of itself, but to do it with such precise mimicry is nothing short of astonishing. He’s mastered the Brooklyn inflection of her wording, the breath control and phrasing, and her whole style of singing. Brinberg’s voice is somewhat less powerful than the real thing, so big numbers that require lots of volume don’t soar like Babs, but this in no way diminishes his achievement. Ballad after ballad is delivered impeccably and it’s shocking how close Brinberg’s sound is to the object of his deep admiration.

Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns” and a stunning “The Way He Makes Me Feel” from Yentl are transcendent and fluid. “Happy Days Are Here Again” and “What Matters Most” reflect the intensity and intention that Streisand can deliver in a lyric. The Carpenters’ hit ”Rainy Days and Mondays” and the Lew Spence/Alan and Marilyn Bergman “Nice ‘n’ Easy” get the full Streisand treatment. Brinberg does add a touch of humor, singing  a duet with his male self on “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” and shows off his vocal impersonations by alternating verses of “Alfie” as Eartha Kitt, Cher, Lena Horne and Bette Davis.

Brinberg has the vocal timing, the behavioral nuances and the over-the-top repartee that fleshes out his tribute. His song selections are always spoton and his voice remains a marvel. There have been many Streisand impersonators, most famously the phenomenal Jim Bailey, and currently Carla DelVillaggio.  And there will probably always be performers willing to take up the arduous task.  We’re lucky to have Steven Brinberg setting such a high standard.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
April 3, 2012
www.cabaretscenes.org